TROY -- A total of 18 students from the Commission on Economic Opportunity's YouthBuild program graduated Tuesday during a ceremony that not only focused on the path many of them will take, but also the community they have been a part of.

Many of the people graduating from the YouthBuild program come from a troubled past, in which they had either dropped out of high school or were falling too far behind in class. Those who graduated Tuesday not only went through a positive reformation, but also obtained their GED and OSHA 10 certification. They achieved both of these things while gaining experience in construction.

And even after accomplishing all of these things during their time in YouthBuild, CEO President Katherine Maciol still wanted the students to think about their future.

"When you have time, I want to you to sit down and write a letter to yourself from the future," Maciol said during her speech. "Tell yourself where you are, what you're doing and the people in your life. Use it as a road map to choose the things meaningful to you."

Maciol emphasized the need for the students to exercise caution when making a decision in the moment as opposed to what would be in their long-term best interest. Many graduates said during their speeches it is a lesson that Thomas Mueller, program manager of YouthBuild, would remind them of often.

There were several local dignitaries on hand including state Sen. Neil Breslin, D-Delmar, City Council President Lynn Kopka, Councilwoman Nina Nichols, D-At Large, and U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko.

"You have made a decision you are of great value and you must share yourself with everyone," Tonko said. "There is greatness here before our very eyes."

Tonko spoke of the foundation many of them at YouthBuild have, which allows them a sense of home and community. It was something keynote speaker Rich Smith, director of the Liberty Partnership at Schenectady County Community College, echoed.

Smith described a life in which his father was killed before he was born, and his mother had become so addicted to drugs, she lost the ability to be a parent. He eventually ended up in jail for the better part of his young adult life, Smith said, and much of it was because he couldn't recall who or what his support system was.

"I fell short," Smith said. "I fell short of identifying the people you are able to identify and that helped you build yourself, build your character as individuals and surpass all those things that were put in your path to get you to this stage right here."

Several of the students who were awarded the opportunity to speak about what they'd learned during the ceremony, agreed with Smith. Jah-Quai Oliver said YouthBuild not only helped him choose a more positive path but also provided him with the assistance to get through many obstacles life had thrown at him.

"If you decide you live for yourself and not in the moment, then you make choices that benefit your life," Oliver, who graduated with honors, said.